Marketing Merrill, shipping containers, Pine Ridge development, and protecting freedoms as it relates to vaccination
BY DAVID JOHNSON
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
The Merrill Common Council met on Oct. 12 in the Council Chamber in City Hall.
Council approves Vision, Mission, and Values for City of Merrill marketing and re-branding
Among the items on the Agenda was a recommendation for approval of the marketing and branding initiative from the [new] Marketing & Communications Committee to market and re-brand Merrill. This initiative includes new Vision, Mission, and Value statements for the City. These are:
Vision – Merrill will be recognized as a welcoming city with a safe and diverse community, vibrant and sustainable economy, and a comfortable quality of life for all.
Mission – To enrich quality of life through innovation, consistent and efficient City services, and strong partnerships with citizens, businesses, and key stakeholders.
Values –
• Partnership: Work together to get things done in a collaborative and respectful manner
• Integrity: Act with transparency and be accountable for what we do and say.
• Service: Provide professional, respectful service to those who live, work, or visit.
• Sustainability: Make decisions with an understanding of their impact on the environment, people, community, and finances.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Embrace the traits and characteristics that make people unique and provide a sense of belonging and support within our community.
This recommendation was approved unanimously by the Council. In today’s economic, social, and political environment it is essential for cities to market themselves and communicate with citizens. Much more will be forthcoming from the Marketing & Communications Committee.
Shipping container/semi-trailer ordinance
The Council passed an ordinance amendment (Chapter 113, Article XI Sections 113-117) related to accessory structures. The main focus was on the use of shipping containers and semi-trailers. The main addition to the ordinance reads:
“Shipping Containers, Semi-Trailers, or Similar Structures. Shipping Containers, semitrailers, or similar structures are permitted as storage facilities in an industrial District only. Shipping containers, semi-trailers, or similar structures are permitted as temporary storage facilities in a Business or Thoroughfare Commercial District by Conditional Use or for a maximum of 30 days in a 12 month period. Shipping Containers, semi-trailers, or similar structures are prohibited in Residential Districts or residential use properties. A special exception may be given by the Zoning Administrator for storage purposes for moving or permitted property renovation for a maximum of 30 days. The Zoning Administrator may extend the timeframe upon request of the property owner for special circumstances. Shipping Containers, semi-trailers, or similar structures may not be modified or used for any other purpose than temporary storage. Any person or business that intends to place a Shipping Container, semi-trailer, or similar structure on a property must register it with the zoning department prior to such placement and pay the applicable fees.”
Amendment to Housing Authority Commission membership referred to Committee of the Whole
A second ordinance amendment dealing with membership on the Merrill Area Housing Authority Commission (Chapter 2, Article VI, Section 2-143) was referred to a future Committee of the Whole meeting. This amendment would allow two members of the MAHA Commission to be non-residents of the City so long as they own a business in the City or are employed by a business in the City. The amendment also allows for two Housing Authority tenants to serve as non-voting advisors on the MAHA Commission.
Pine Ridge Shopping Center development
Two resolutions were addressed by the Council. The first of these was a resolution authorizing a development agreement between the City and the owners of Merrill Pine Ridge Shopping Center. This agreement would provide funds for repairs to facilitate the sale of the former Piggly-Wiggly property to a retail entity. It would provide an incentive for the conversion of the former Walmart to be converted to three retail spaces as Church Mutual’s lease on this property expires on March 30, and they do not intend to renew the lease. This development agreement will maintain the viability of this property from a tax base, employment, and shopping opportunity perspective. The development agreement further provides for the 2-acre outlot east of the car wash to be purchased by the City for future development. This resolution was passed by the Council.
Resolution to protect City employees’ freedom to choose pertaining to vaccination
The second resolution pertained to what was titled as “A resolution protecting the constitutional rights and freedoms of the City of Merrill employees against an unconstitutional COVID-19 vaccine mandate and encouraging city contractors and local employers to do the same.” The resolution reads in part: “NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERRILL, WISCONSIN this 12th day of October, 2021, that the City of Merrill employees will not be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, no City of Merrill employee will be threatened, coerced or advised in any manner into receiving or accepting the COVID-19 vaccination;”
“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Merrill strongly encourages all City contractors and all City of Merrill employers to respect the constitutional rights and freedoms of their employees and not require COVID-19 vaccinations as a condition of their employment.”
This refers to the concept of making employment contingent upon employees receiving COVID-19 vaccine. The Council passed the resolution by a 5/3 vote.